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Boro sign McEachran - Date: 21 Aug 2012

Middlesbrough have completed the signing of Josh McEachran from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal.

The 19-year-old has won caps for the England under-21's and made his début for the West London club back in 2010, going on to be named the club's Young Player of the Year.

Manager Tony Mowbray was understandably delighted to complete the signing of the sought-after central midfielder.

“He's a very technical footballer, very creative, with a big future in the English game,” Mowbray said. “I can see him being a top, top player in a few years.

“Hopefully his ability will rub off on our team. He can see passes, he can pick a pass and I'm sure he will come and help our cause.

“The competition was stiff, but the boy felt as though he wanted to come and play some football and I think we can help him do that.”

Mowbray admitted it would be a good move for all parties involved, as McEachran would get a good amount of playing time, unlike his move to Swansea last season.

Former Swans boss, Brendan Rodgers took McEachran to the Liberty Stadium, having worked with him during his time with the Chelsea academy. During his time in Wales, however, he only made four league appearances.

Those looking for soccer tickets should note that Chelsea boss, Roberto Di Matteo accepts that the loan move is necessary to him getting first team experience and to get his career back on track.

He said: “He's a great talent [but] his career's somehow stalled a bit. It's part of a player's development that you have ups and downs and you learn all the time.

“The best solution is to get in that rhythm of playing every week and get back to where he was when he broke into the first team.”

Middlesbrough take on Burnley in the Championship tonight(Tuesday), and McEachran will be available for selection.

Born to Scottish parents, McEachran quickly made his way through the youth set-up at Stamford Bridge, representing England at a number of youth levels.

As well as captaining the under-16's, McEachran was part of the England side that went on to win the under-17's European Championships during the summer of 2010, as they beat Spain in the final.

That form led to the then Chelsea boss, Carlo Ancelotti, handing McEachran his club début in the Champions' League the following September, against MSK Zilina, coming on as a substitute.

Since then, he has gone on to establish himself in Stuart Pearce's under-21's side, as well as accumulating 11 league appearances for the Blues.

His loan move to Swansea last season was not a roaring success, as during his time there he only started one game and made three substitute appearances.

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